Toya Delazy takes on X Factor South Africa judging role

South African pop star Toya Delazy will join fellow judges Arno Carstens and Oskido as a judge in this week’s episode of The X Factor South Africa, on SABC1 on Saturday, December 6, at 6pm.

Delazy will also be the guest act on the results show this week, which follows at 7.30pm, where the Top 3 will be revealed. She will be stepping in for Zonke following this week’s tragic passing of The X-Factor judge’s sister, Lulu Dikana.

Says Delazy: “Our thoughts and prayers are with Zonke and her family during this difficult time. She has been a wonderful mentor to her acts and I will do my best to fill her shoes and provide support for Wandaboy and Eliezer. We hope to do her proud.”

Zonke issued a message through her management thanking people for all the messages of condolence that she and her family have received as well as sending her support and encouragement to Wandaboy and Eliezer ahead of this weekend’s show.

Delazy, who is openly lesbian, recently launched the video for Forbidden Fruit, the lead track from her new album Ascension, which has been praised for challenging homophobia by including kissing gay and lesbian couples.

The grand live finale of The X Factor South Africa takes place in Durban on December 13, when the winning act will receive a Sony Music Entertainment recording contract and a grand prized valued at R750 000. The final show will be 74 minutes long, with no break for the 7pm news bulletin.